15 Washtenaw County dive bars to hit up this college season

By Layla McMurtrie on Thu, Aug 24, 2023 at 5:39 pm

University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Concordia University, and Washtenaw Community College are all located less than 10 miles from each other, making Washtenaw County a hot spot of college students.

With the fall semester around the corner, what’s a better way to kick off the college season than visiting local dive bars with your friends? Often, the most random, unassuming buildings offer the best experiences. Beyond the trendy spots and packed college clubs, Washtenaw County’s dive bars stand strong with their unpretentious charm.

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Facebook, The Wurst Bar

The Wurst Bar

705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-485-6720; wurstbarypsi.com

The pool table, a few arcade games, and half of the space in this bar were recently sacrificed for a new dispensary called “Nuggets,” which many locals were not happy about. Otherwise though, the Wurst Bar is actually not the “worst,” but does serve a variety of bratwurst options. The dive, right off Eastern Michigan University’s campus, was named Best Dive Bar in Washtenaw County in the Metro Times Best of Detroit readers poll in 2020 and 2022. On Tuesdays at 9 p.m., the bar hosts free bingo.

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Facebook, The Regal Beagle

The Regal Beagle

817 E. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-7045; regalbeagleypsi.com

In true dive bar fashion, this spot is pretty uncharming inside and out. Head toward the back though, and “Dirti Kurt” is serving up his specialty “Michigan-style” barbecue food. Besides the must-try cuisine, the Regal Beagle is a hotspot for punk millennials performing music and singing karaoke.

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Facebook, 8 Ball Saloon

8 Ball Saloon

208 S. First St., Ann Arbor; 734-996-8555; blindpigmusic.com/8-ball

Take a trip behind Ann Arbor music venue the Blind Pig and walk down the stairs to its basement, 8 Ball Saloon. This dive bar does have a pool table and was named Best Dive Bar in Washtenaw County in Metro Times 2021 Best of Detroit readers poll.

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Facebook, Powell’s Pub

Powell’s Pub

625 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti; 734-484-1484; facebook.com

Coining itself as “Ypsilanti’s 5 star dive bar,” Powell’s is always packed with locals, mainly because of the cheap drinks, great wings, and grimey but at-home interior. Plus, with a big patio space on the side of the building, the spot is good for a nice day outside, too.

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Facebook, Fraser’s Pub

Fraser’s Pub

2045 Packard St., Ann Arbor; 734-665-1955; fraserspub.com

A great place to watch U-M games, this pub offers a wide food and drink menu for all. It can get pretty packed with the college crowd on nights and weekends though, so you’re better off grabbing a seat at happy hour if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience.

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Facebook, Dan’s Downtown Tavern

Dan’s Downtown Tavern

103 E. Michigan Ave., Saline; 734-429-3159; danstavern.com

Ann Arbor and Ypsi aren’t the only cities in Washtenaw County, and this downtown Saline tavern shows to have some charming staff and fun events. Its website calls it “the kind of neighborhood bar every community should have – a watering hole serving Michigan crafted beers from 64 taps and great burgers in a no-nonsense, friendly manner.” The owner Dan’s new dishes each week seem like enough to make this spot worth a short visit regardless of where you live.

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Facebook, Tap Room

Tap Room

201 W Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, 734-482-5320; taproomypsi.com

The old neon sign flaunting a bubbly martini is enough to give the Tap Room dive bars creds. Every Thursday, the spot hosts an open mic with house band the Martindales, where Ypsi residents enjoy familiar local artists getting on stage to perform.

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Facebook, Stivers restaurant

Stiver’s

11 S. Fletcher Rd., Chelsea; 734-475-3610; facebook.com/stiversrestaurant

Right off-the-highway, this building in Chelsea is half a family-restaurant and half a dive bar — a unique mesh of vibes that make the spot even more interesting.

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Facebook, Sticks

Sticks

39 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-483-1870; facebook.com/sticksdepottown

Above Depot Town’s Aubree’s Pizzeria, Sticks gathers locals with its intricate wooden architecture, a room of pool tables, and large drinks and at a cheap price.

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Layla McMurtrie

WaxBar

44 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-879-0276; waxbarypsi.com

Across the street from Sticks is this music-store bar. Records and booze — that’s all you need to know, and all you really need.

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Facebook, Alley Bar

Alley Bar

112 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-662-8757; a2alleybar.com

This upscale dive bar offers drinks for any mood, whether it be a cheap can of beer or a fancy cocktail.

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Facebook, Fenders Bar and Grill

Fender’s Bar and Grill

20 Wabash St., Milan; 734-439-3474; fendersbarandgrill.com

A small brick building with the front painted a bright red, the outside appearance of this spot is definitely giving dive bar vibes. Deer heads and other gritty decor on the walls, filled with Milan locals, this dive is packed with character from floor to ceiling.

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Facebook, Casey’s Tavern

Casey’s Tavern

304 Depot St., Ann Arbor; 734-665-6775; caseys-tavern.com Cheap bar food and plenty of beer options are necessities of a good dive, and this neighborhood bar has been a local favorite since opening its doors in 1986.

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Facebook, The Heidelberg

The Heidelberg

215 N. Main St., Ann Arbor; 734-585-0063; heidelbergannarbor.com

With a bricked-arch ceiling, stained-glass windows, beer-hall tables, and dartboards, the basement of this restaurant “Rathskeller” is a legendary late night watering hole and best kept secret of Ann Arbor. Heidelberg has served German food in the city since 1961, and actually has three floors, with the upstairs Club Above, a hot dancefloor known for Latin Night every Friday. But, downstairs is the real wonder, serving drinks and divey-vibes.

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Facebook, McShane’s Pub Ypsilanti

McShane’s Irish Pub

2203 Ellsworth Rd., Ypsilanti; 734-434-0494; mcshanespubypsi.com

The old-timey wooden sign highlighted with neon green lettering should be enough to draw your attention in. The Irish pub and whiskey bar also have a location in Corktown, Detroit.

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